Cartoon Network’s Crushing Pride Clapbacks Deserve A Parade Of Their Own
Pride Month trolls tried it, and Cartoon Network gave them exactly what they deserved.
In a year when many brands are quietly scaling back their Pride recognition, Cartoon Network is leaning all the way in. And when the trolls came for them, they didn’t flinch.
CN shared a carousel of fan-created Pride artwork on Instagram featuring beloved characters like Princess Bubblegum and Marceline from Adventure Time. The caption read, “You are an EXPERIENCE! 🏳️🌈 Pride is a reminder to live bravely in your authenticity – use your voice, stand up for others, and spread love ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜.”
It didn’t take long for the haters to flood the comment section. One user whined that their “childhood was ruined,” while others posted vomiting emojis. One simply wrote, “This is a joke, right? Must be a joke 😭”
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But whoever’s behind Cartoon Network’s social media wasn’t about to let the trolls have the last word.
“Look in the mirror you’ll see one 😉” the account responded to the “Must be a joke” comment. To the complaint about a destroyed childhood, they replied: “ok dramatic 🙄”
And when someone mourned, “My childhood is gone, there is nothing else to say,” CN hit back with: “Doesn’t seem like you’ve grown up tho 🤔”
No notes.
Then, they doubled down: “Watching comments be mad about characters from a show that aired 15 years ago 👁️ 👄 👁️,” CN posted as a general comment. “Some of yall need to rewatch some episodes and it shows 🤗”
To the many queer fans who grew up on and identify with these shows, the response speaks volumes.
As one fan put it: “Finally, a company with an actual backbone. This is refreshing, this is ACTUALLY honoring the community.”
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Another added: “You know what, f*ck yeah, I grew up on CN from way back when in the ’90s and I couldn’t feel more proud seeing this unfold.”
And maybe best of all: “This makes my millennial heart so freaking happy.”
It’s easy to be cynical about corporations during Pride. And often, that cynicism is earned. But this felt like more than lip service. Cartoon Network didn’t just say they support the LGBTQ+ community. They defended it. They moderated their comments and kept things cute, with just the right amount of snark.
To the team running that account: Now would be a great time to ask for that raise. At the very least, extra vacation days. A fruit basket. Something. You understood the assignment.
